“Due to salary cap restrictions and in order to balance our squad now and in the future, we have very reluctantly traded Kenny,’’ said sporting director Andy Roxburgh. “The allocation money combined with the salary cap relief that we obtained will be vital for us to strengthen the squad in specific areas.’’

Cooper had poured in a team-high 18 goals in his only season with the club, having been acquired on Jan. 12, 2012 – draft day – from the Portland Timbers. His total matched a career-high and was the second-best total in MLS, but he would have cost the Red Bulls $375,000 against the salary cap.

The Red Bulls tried every avenue to keep him, but doing so would have precluded any other move the rest of the season, even the most minor ones, much less adding a third Designated Player this summer. There have also been questions as to how he meshes with captain Thierry Henry on the field.

Now, Cooper goes back to an FC Dallas club for which he played from 2006-09. Meanwhile, the Red Bulls are left with Henry and former Real Salt Lake standout Fabian Espindola as veteran options up front. Tim Cahill can play up front as well, although will likely be needed in midfield, and Josue Martinez and Amando Moreno are young and untested. They have young Marius Obekop on trial, and it’s possible he could play up front or in the midfield, and they’ve been linked with French striker Peguy Luyindula as well.

“Kenny, who is a great professional as well as an excellent person to work with, has been a very good member of our roster and we wish him every success with the next phase of his playing career,’’ said Roxburgh. “Kenny and MLS have been very supportive during this difficult process.”